The Nigerian president's top media aide, Garba Shehu, disclosed on Saturday that he has tested positive for coronavirus and is now in isolation.

Shehu, who is in his late 50s, is a member of 79-year-old President Muhammadu Buhari's inner circle.

"I can only confirm that (I am) infected with COVID-19 and in treatment in isolation," Shehu said.

Several local newspapers have reported that some of Buhari's aides and top officials have contracted the virus, including Information Minister Lai Mohammed.